Kevin Gausman is unsure if he will start Game 1 Tuesday; his left shoulder is still affecting him after a bullpen session Sunday

Gausman still unsure for Game 1

by Miracle Dimwesh

Sep 28, 2026

Gausman still unsure for Game 1

Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Kevin Gausman still does not know if he will start Game 1 of the Chicago Cubs’ Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.

Gausman threw a “normal-ish” bullpen session Sunday, calling it a step in the right direction. However, the right-hander said his left shoulder was still affecting him and that he needed to see how his body responded before making a decision.

The Cubs open their best-of-three series against the Padres on Tuesday at Petco Park, leaving Gausman with little time to prove he is ready.

Gausman injured his non-throwing shoulder during his Sept. 23 start against the Miami Marlins. He dove to make a tag at third base and felt the shoulder extend awkwardly. The veteran later revealed that he had dislocated the same shoulder in high school.

Gausman finished his first season with Chicago at 4-2 with a 4.83 ERA across nine starts. He joined the Cubs from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline and went 9-12 with a 4.51 ERA over 32 starts between the two clubs.

The Cubs do have alternatives if Gausman cannot take the ball. Matthew Boyd is on regular rest, while Shota Imanaga threw only 12 pitches in Sunday’s finale to remain available for the postseason. Clay Holmes and David Peterson are also lined up as potential options later in the series.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kevin Gausman (12)

Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Gausman has made it clear that he wants to pitch, but he also acknowledged the need to be honest about whether he can give Chicago a chance to win.

For now, the Cubs will wait and see how his shoulder responds before determining whether their veteran deadline acquisition will take the mound Tuesday.